Do you support Scott’s ‘Day of Prayer’ after Trayvon Martin verdict?

Gov. Rick Scott has declared Sunday July 21 a “Statewide Day of Prayer for Unity in Florida.” He took the step in the wake of George Zimmerman’s acquittal in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin.

Parishioners pray at a Sanford, Fl., church after George Zimmerman was acquitted of murder and manslaughter in the death of Trayvon Martin. (AP photo)

The governor’s proclamation calls Trayvon’s death “a tragedy” and says, in part, that “emotions are running high as we continue to grieve the loss of Trayvon and the toll that the tragic events surrounding his death have taken on the community of Sanford, Florida, and other communities across our state.”

He also says that “the Martin family, the family of George Zimmerman, and all those affected by Trayvon’s death remain in our thoughts and prayers.”

There are at least two possible objections. One is that the governor is a secular state official and has no business calling for a day of prayer. Another is that Gov. Scott is not sufficiently addressing the tragedy. He is not, for example, pushing to reform Florida’s self-defense laws.

However, the same sort of objections could be raised about President Barack Obama. He declared May 2 of this year as “A National Day of Prayer,” and his proclamation said in part:

“On this day, let us remember in our thoughts and prayers all those affected by recent events, such as the Boston Marathon bombings, the Newtown, Connecticut shootings, and the explosion in West, Texas.”

In any case, politicians of both parties and at all levels regularly call on Americans to pray. President Obama said that “Americans have long turned to prayer both in times of joy and times of sorrow.” Gov. Scott said that “tragic events compel us to a time of deep reflection and prayer to find strength and peace in uncertainty.”

What do you think? Do you support Gov. Scott’s call for a “Day of Prayer for Unity in Florida”? Take our poll and/or leave a comment?